A sense of change is hovering over a majority of northern Utah County, where the largest school district in the state is on the brink of disbanding.

On Tuesday, residents in 10 cities in the county voted in favor of two measures that will divide the Alpine School District into three separate educational entities.

As of Wednesday afternoon, early results show voters in support of Proposition 11, which would create a new school district serving students in Alpine, American Fork, Cedar Hills, Draper (Utah County portion), Highland and Lehi, with 57.85% in favor and 42.15% opposed.

Additionally, voters in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain were heavily leaning toward approving Proposition 14 to create another new school district in northwestern Utah County. Preliminary election results Wednesday afternoon show 61.74% support for the move while 38.26% are against it.

It is anticipated that the Utah County Commission will certify final election results Nov. 19 after the final canvassing has been conducted, a press release celebrating the presumed victory of Proposition 11 noted.

The path to empowering voters to decide on both propositions is a result of city councils in the affected communities gathering feedback from the public and hundreds of constituents, ultimately culminating in votes by each of the councils last August to put the questions on the ballot.

Lehi City Council member Heather Newall said the collaboration among each city has been a highlight of the process.

“I think that’s one of the best things that’s come out of this, is how close of bonds we have with other cities and city council members that we probably never would have had without having to bring something like this together,” Newall said Wednesday afternoon.

Looking to the future, she believes the new school districts will enable communities to concentrate on their schools, teachers and students.

That sentiment is shared by elected officials in neighboring Saratoga Springs, in thinking about their own new district.

“This decision reflects the commitment of our residents to prioritize local control and ensure our children have access to the best possible educational opportunities,” City Council member Chris Carn told the Daily Herald in an email. “By creating a new school district, we have opened doors to a future where decisions are made closer to home, responsive to the unique needs of our growing community.”

Enrollment in the more than 100-year-old Alpine School District currently sits at 84,000 students, making it the largest and fastest-growing district in the state — and also within the fastest-growing county in Utah.

Voters seemingly feel it’s time to usher in a new way of educating students in the county.

“This is a victory for better representation, local control, and enhanced financial management–as this change protects our schools and key programs, teachers, and tax dollars,” AnnMarie Gordon, a parent in Alpine, told the Daily Herald.

She believes the change will lead to future improvements in the schools within the new district, plus strategic direction and more tax dollars being kept in local communities.

The group Stronger Together, which opposed both propositions, took to social media with its reaction to the early polling numbers.

“Though the propositions didn’t go the way we wanted, Stronger Together is committed to moving forward to create new districts that support students, teachers and families,” the group said Wednesday morning on Facebook.

Stronger Together also opposed Orem’s desire to split from the district via Proposition 2, a measure that voters rejected in 2022.

The cities of Pleasant Grove, Lindon, Vineyard and Orem did not vote on either measure, as they chose not to form an interlocal agreement with one another like other cities did.

Though, by default, schools in the four cities would coalesce to become their own new district.

Alicia Alba, a Lindon parent, teacher and PTA leader, expressed optimism about what lies ahead, saying in a Facebook post that she believes students in the remaining cities “will not only survive, but thrive.”

In speaking with the Daily Herald, Alba says she is looking forward to the opportunities ahead.

“I believe the future will be bright for the students & teachers in all 3 new districts. I’m especially excited for our East area to come together and have the opportunity to focus on fixing our school buildings, strengthening our programs, and ensuring that every teacher has the support they need to provide an excellent education to every child,” Alba said in a private social media message.

Alba initially put her hat in the ring for the District 5 seat on the Alpine School District Board of Education but withdrew from the race due to health reasons before the primary election in June.

She intends to run for school board again once plans for a new district in the east come into view.

As for what’s next, work will commence on dividing the existing resources between the school districts, and ultimately identifying and electing new school board members.

In the immediate future, Newall said the interlocal groups will have 30 days to form a limited purpose entity with the lieutenant governor, as outlined by the Utah Legislature.

Voters will elect new school board members in November 2025, with anticipation those members will take office in January 2026.

New districts could be operational by fall 2027.

The Central School District in northern Utah County, and the West School District in the northwest portion of the county are both temporary names. They will change once new school board members are elected and assume office in their respective areas.

Now in limbo, the Alpine School District is addressing the potential dissolution.

“Alpine School District recognizes that voters in our district have voted on propositions that, if passed, would create new school districts in areas that we currently serve,” a statement on its website reads. “We are grateful that our system of government allows our community members a voice in public education. We are waiting for the tabulation and certification of votes and we will respect the decision of our community members. As we learn more about the results, we will keep our community and employees informed.”

Director of Communications Rich Stowell said another statement may be released by the district once final results are certified by the county.